Palisades Park officials say they will soon have to make a decision about whether to ask the town’s population to help pay for school renovations.

The town has seen its population increase nearly 15% since the last census, leading to an increase in school population – nearly double in recent years.

“Our buildings are in need of repair,” says Palisades Park School Superintendent Joseph Cirillo.

Lindbergh Elementary School is nearly 100 years old and the town’s junior/senior high school was built in the 1960s. Both are in dire need of improvements, according to officials.

“You know the buildings are fine, by way of having our kids in them. But as we enter 2020 and beyond, our schools need more TLC,” Cirillo says.

The district submitted a list of renovations to the state Department of Education in hopes it will cover up to 40% of the cost. But the district will also ask voters to approve a referendum to pay for the rest, this upcoming September.

Improvements include fixing plumbing issues and replacing the roof on one of the schools. The amount has not yet been released, but the project is expected to cost millions.